Justin Timberlake speaks to reporters following guilty plea for driving while ability impaired

Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty Friday to a traffic infraction — driving while ability impaired — to resolve his driving while intoxicated case in the Hamptons.

Timberlake apologized for his conduct in comments to reporters after court, saying, “Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life . … I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself — and this was not that.”

“I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision. But I’ve had some time to reflect on that,” he said.

“What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening: Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber,” Timberlake said.

Timberlake appeared in person in Sag Harbor Village court on Friday. The judge ordered him to pay a fine and perform community service.

Timberlake also agreed to appear in a public service announcement about the dangers of drunk driving.

“The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American Hotel,” Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Blake, told reporters after court as the pop star looked on. “And contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other people’s drinks, or warned in advance not to drive. He wasn’t rude, he wasn’t obnoxious, he wasn’t belligerent. In fact, he was polite and he was cooperative and he was respectful during his entire encounter with law enforcement.”

“His plea today to the reduced and amended non-criminal charge … is consistent with these facts,” he said.

Timberlake said, “This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”

“We can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part, I hope that everyone else does their part,” he said.

Timberlake was leaving a hotel in June when he was stopped for running a stop sign and swerving into the oncoming lane.

The officer smelled booze on the pop star’s breath, and police noted he had bloodshot, glassy eyes, according to a police report. Timberlake also had slow speech, was unsteady on his feet and performed poorly on a field sobriety test, according to the criminal complaint.

Timberlake told the arresting officer he had only one drink, the complaint said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement Friday, “Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his behavior, and for using his platform to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. … In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transit and ride-shares, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel when you are impaired in any way.”

“Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant,” Tierney added. “Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status.”

The singer is currently on his “The Forget Tomorrow World Tour.” His next concert is Sept. 28 in Newark, New Jersey.

Justin Timberlake, the Grammy-winning singer and actor, recently made headlines after pleading guilty to driving while ability impaired. The incident occurred in September when Timberlake was pulled over by police in Los Angeles for driving erratically.

Following his guilty plea, Timberlake spoke to reporters about the incident and expressed remorse for his actions. He acknowledged that he made a mistake and emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for his actions.

“I want to apologize to my fans, my family, and the public for my irresponsible behavior,” Timberlake said. “I know that driving under the influence is dangerous and I am grateful that no one was hurt as a result of my actions.”

Timberlake also addressed the consequences of his actions, stating that he is prepared to face the legal repercussions of his guilty plea. He emphasized the importance of learning from his mistakes and making better choices in the future.

“I am committed to making better decisions and being a positive role model for my fans,” Timberlake said. “I hope that others can learn from my experience and understand the dangers of driving under the influence.”

Timberlake’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of driving under the influence. It is a timely reminder for all individuals to prioritize safety on the road and to make responsible choices when behind the wheel.

As Timberlake continues to navigate the aftermath of his guilty plea, it is clear that he is taking steps to learn from his mistake and move forward in a positive direction. His willingness to speak openly about the incident demonstrates his commitment to accountability and personal growth.

In conclusion, Justin Timberlake’s guilty plea for driving while ability impaired serves as a cautionary tale for all individuals about the dangers of driving under the influence. It is a reminder to prioritize safety on the road and make responsible choices to ensure the well-being of oneself and others.